ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the subject of surface engineering, whose definition and scope encompasses techniques and processes used to modify and enhance the performance of surfaces with respect to wear, fatigue, corrosion resistance, and biocompatability. The processes of corrosion, wear, and fatigue are all expensive, with direct and indirect cost elements. It is well recognised that the successful exploitation of these various surface treatments and coatings technologies may allow the use of simpler, cheaper substrate or base materials, with concomitant substantial reduction in costs, minimisation of demands for strategic materials, and improved production and performance. The chapter discusses the processes of corrosion and wear and indicates the use and role of surface coatings and treatments, i.e. surface engineering in the control of these modes of degradation. In determining the use and likely success of a protective coating or surface treatment to inhibit corrosion, some key aspects of corrosion need to be borne in mind.
